This Baked Arancini recipe gives you a healthier twist on traditional Italian rice balls. Arancini are crispy, golden rice balls typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy this Sicilian classic with less oil but all the rich, comforting flavor. These easy-to-make rice balls are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish. The gooey mozzarella center and crispy outer layer make them a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arborio rice

• 4 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups bread crumbs

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed)

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for brushing

Directions

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the Arborio rice in the chicken broth until al dente. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Mixture: Once cooled, combine the rice with grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

3. Shape the Arancini: Form small balls of rice, inserting a cube of mozzarella in the center of each.

4. Coat the Arancini: Beat the eggs and dip each rice ball into the egg mixture. Then roll them in bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the arancini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Serve: Let the arancini cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 250 kcal per serving

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 2g

• Protein: 9g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Potassium: 150mg

• Calcium: 8% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

The Traditional Sicilian Origins of Arancini

Arancini, meaning “little oranges” in Italian, gets its name from its round shape and golden exterior, which resembles an orange. Traditionally, these rice balls are filled with ragù (a rich meat sauce), peas, and mozzarella, but over time, different variations have emerged, incorporating everything from vegetables to seafood. They are typically served as a street food in Sicily, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike as a quick, delicious snack.

The original method of making arancini involved deep frying, which created the crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy rice center. However, baking instead of frying is a popular and healthier alternative that allows the dish to maintain its classic texture and flavor while reducing the amount of oil. Baked arancini retains the warm, melty center and the crunchiness of the outer layer but with a lighter, less greasy finish.

Arborio Rice: The Key to Perfect Arancini

At the heart of every arancini is Arborio rice, a short-grain rice that is known for its ability to absorb liquid and become soft and creamy when cooked. This rice is essential in creating the perfect consistency for arancini. When cooked in chicken broth, the Arborio rice becomes flavorful and sticky, allowing it to bind together to form the rice balls.

The key to making excellent arancini is to cook the rice until it is al dente, meaning it is tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is crucial, as it allows the rice to hold its shape while still offering a creamy bite. When mixed with the grated Parmesan cheese, the rice becomes rich and flavorful, providing a savory base that is perfect for the filling.

Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra depth of flavor to the rice, making it even more satisfying. The combination of creamy rice, Parmesan cheese, and the gooey mozzarella center makes for a delicious, comforting base that is enhanced by the crispy exterior created during the baking process.

The Importance of Mozzarella in Arancini

One of the most delightful aspects of arancini is the gooey mozzarella filling inside each rice ball. The cheese adds a creamy, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy outer shell. When baked, the mozzarella melts slightly, creating a luscious, stretchy filling that pulls apart with every bite.

The mozzarella in baked arancini is typically cut into cubes, which ensures that each rice ball has a perfectly sized piece of cheese in the center. As the arancini bake, the cheese becomes melty, but it doesn’t completely melt away, providing a deliciously gooey, satisfying bite when you cut into the rice ball. For the best results, use a good-quality mozzarella that has a high moisture content to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.

Coating the Arancini: From Rice to Crunch

The next important step in creating perfect baked arancini is coating them in breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs form a crunchy outer layer, which, when baked, becomes golden brown and crispy. This step is key to achieving the texture contrast that makes arancini so satisfying to eat. The rice balls are dipped in beaten eggs and then rolled in breadcrumbs, which adhere to the surface and create a protective layer around the soft, cheesy rice.

To achieve the crispiest texture, it’s important to use a generous amount of breadcrumbs, ensuring that the rice balls are thoroughly coated. The breadcrumbs will toast as the arancini bake, adding a nice crunch to the exterior, making the soft, cheesy interior even more satisfying.

Baking Arancini: A Healthier Twist

Baking arancini instead of deep-frying them offers several benefits. Not only does it reduce the overall calorie content, but it also allows the flavors of the rice and cheese to shine without the heavy greasiness that comes from frying. Baking the arancini at 375°F (190°C) ensures that the breadcrumbs become golden and crisp while keeping the inside soft and melty.

The key to baking arancini is to brush them lightly with olive oil before they go into the oven. This helps to create that beautiful golden color and adds a slight crispiness to the outside. Olive oil is a healthier fat that adds flavor without being as heavy as the oil used for frying. The result is a lighter version of traditional arancini that still delivers the satisfying texture and flavor that everyone loves.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Arancini

Baked arancini can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, making them incredibly versatile. As appetizers, they can be served alongside marinara sauce or a tangy dipping sauce to complement their rich flavor. You can even serve them with a light salad, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the rice balls.

For a more substantial meal, baked arancini can be paired with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or couscous. Their cheesy, savory flavor makes them a great side dish to accompany a variety of main courses. They also make a wonderful addition to a Mediterranean or Italian-inspired spread, where they can be enjoyed alongside other small bites like bruschetta, caprese salad, or antipasto.

Arancini can also be served with a fresh dipping sauce, such as marinara, aioli, or even a creamy pesto. These sauces enhance the flavor of the rice balls and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the filling. Whether served with a simple sauce or enjoyed on their own, baked arancini is a versatile and satisfying dish.

Storing and Reheating Baked Arancini

If you have leftovers or want to make arancini ahead of time, they can be easily stored and reheated. To store, simply place the cooled arancini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the breadcrumbs are crispy again.

For longer storage, baked arancini can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze, place the rice balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Conclusion

Baked Arancini offers a healthier twist on a classic Italian dish without sacrificing flavor or texture. By baking the rice balls instead of frying them, you can enjoy all the crispy goodness and gooey cheese that makes arancini so irresistible, with less oil and fewer calories. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, from appetizers to main courses, and is sure to satisfy anyone who loves rich, comforting food with a crunchy twist. Whether you serve them as a snack, an appetizer, or a main dish, baked arancini are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or save them for later—either way, they’re sure to be a favorite.